'American Idol' recap: Top 8 perform

After the surprising result on last week's American Idol, which saw Pia Toscano sent home on Thursday night, the remaining eight contestants returned to the stage to perform memorable tracks from the movies. All studio performances are now available to download on iTunes as a compilation album or individual songs.

Here's what the judges said about the performances:

Paul McDonald: 'Old Time Rock and Roll' - Bob Seger

Steven wants to borrow Paul's rather colourful suit for his tour before saying he loves the way his "crazy, wild abandon transcends to an audience". Jennifer says that he pushes himself further in every performance, adding: "It's like watching a diamond in the rough become more polished every week." She thinks he "killed" it last week and "killed it again" this week. Randy loves that he isn't a typical singer, describing him instead as an "artist".

Lauren Alaina: 'The Climb' - Miley Cyrus

Jennifer thinks that Lauren sang the song beautifully, and praises "the tear" she has in her voice, adding: "I always feel like I want you to go further because I know you can go further." Randy loves that the Lauren they saw in Nashville is "roaring back", saying that she made the song sound like it was written especially for her. Steven reveals that Lauren was the first Idol the judges thought of during the auditions, and says that she "moves [him] beyond tears".

Stefano Langone: 'End of the Road' - Boyz II Men

Stefano admits that he was "at peace" with going home last week, while mentor will.i.am thinks he seems defeated. Jimmy tells him to stop thinking he might lose and start thinking he can win, and his words seem to have an impact. Randy thinks that Boyz II Men would be proud of the performance, calling it Stefano's "best vocal to date". Steven agrees, adding: "This isn't the end of the road for you, this is just the beginning." Finally, Jennifer appreciates that Stefano has stopped singing to stay and has started singing to win.

Scotty McCreery: 'I Cross My Heart' - George Straits

"I think all of America has fallen in love with your voice," says Steven. "And you did it again [tonight]." Jennifer says that she knows America wants the judges to be tough on the contestants but they really can't "because everybody is so good". It wasn't her favourite song choice for him but she says he performed it beautifully. Randy agrees, saying that "a star has been born on this stage". He also likes Scotty returning to his country roots, saying: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Casey Abrams: 'Nature Boy' - Nat King Cole

Jimmy thinks Casey should do 'In The Air Tonight' instead, but Casey goes against his advice, and his risk seems to pay off. Jennifer says that being in American Idol doesn't mean you have to be a defined genre, pointing out artists like Norah Jones who cross boundaries. Randy agrees, saying the show has "real true artists" this season and Casey is unique. He can see him making an "extended Michael Buble-style record". Steven calls him an "artist in the truest sense of the word", and praises him for following his heart with the song choice.

Haley Reinhart: 'Call Me' - Blondie

Randy thinks that the performance "started very karaoke" but got better towards the end, although it wasn't a good showcase for her voice at this stage in the competition. Steven agrees, although he says that she nailed the chorus and looks great on stage. Jennifer confesses that she's scared to give any criticism to the remaining females in case they get sent home, but does say she sides more with Randy, adding: "After two killer performances, you have to keep taking it higher and higher."

Jacob Lusk: 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' - Simon & Garfunkel

"It's astounding to me how angelically you sing," says Steven, praising how much of himself Jacob puts into a song. He is particularly impressed by the final three notes of the performance and how Jacob gelled with the choir. Jennifer agrees: "Who does that note?! I can't even hear that note!" She calls him a "gifted vocalist" and says he gave her the chills. Randy is equally impressed, saying that he believes every word that Jacob sings. He also loves the fact Jacob "let the song marinate" before "blowing up at the end".

James Durbin: 'Heavy Metal' - Sammy Hagar

James is accompanied by guitarist Zakk Wylde - most famous for formerly playing with Ozzy Osbourne - during his high energy performance, which closes tonight's show. "Who would have ever thought we'd have pure heavy metal on American Idol?!" says Jennifer. "We can have a heavy metal Idol! It's America's choice!" Randy is equally enthusiastic, shouting: "I hope America brings heavy metal back because I can see you on stage with Avenged Sevenfold and Ozzy at the next Ozzfest! Durbin rocks! Durbin rocks!" Steven adds: "Outstanding Durbin!"